Raja Yoga and Meditation Center of Greater Philadelphia

I find Raja Yoga a great place to come and unwind with some fantastic yoga!
The classes are not expensive for drop in’s, plus they have great package deals!
I have come here a few times, and I usually bring my own mat, but sometimes I come with my friend who doesn’t have one. You can rent a yoga mat and they are always super clean! I think it costs like $ 2 to rent.
The classes are great for people of various skill levels. I am certainly a beginner, but there are usually way more advance people in the classes. I like how the instructors always offer modified or alternate poses for those who need more of a advanced pose and for those who are still learning. The instructors all always come around and adjust as well as help show those who might need help how to better get into a pose. Its great! A wonderful learning environment!
The studio is really small, its one room, so they close and the doors and cover the windows with curtains so people can’t just walk in, it would be nice if the actual yoga studio was maybe separate from the waiting area/​reception, but its the city, its a small studio, I can’t really complain as this is the only fault I have with this place.
Instructors are all extremely nice, helpful, and knowledgable. I really like the warmth and welcoming vibe I get whenever I come here, even though I am pretty new to yoga and tend to have questions before and after class. the staff here is always happy to help me and talk to me.
The studio itself is also really clean and they have everything you need available.
I noticed some Unilocalers complain about the noises you can hear from the person who lives above the studio, but so far that noise has been minimal, and if you are zoned into the class, you can barely hear it. I get it, you don’t want outside noise, but again, you are in a city, so I don’t think it is something that the studio can be faulted for. This absolutely does not take anything away from the Raja Yoga experience.
The classes offered are at pretty convenient times, and they offer a variety of classes as well, including meditation, hatha, vinyasa, private sessions, and teacher training. I usually go to the Hatha classes but have gone to a few Vinyasa and I really have enjoyed both types! Again, even though I am a beginner, I never feel out of place, the instructors are great about helping each student succeed in their practice, no matter how advanced! They are also constantly developing new programs, so keep am eye on their website!
I always leave here super relaxed and wake up with that amazing fully worked out feeling in my body the next day!

Ahhhh-​mazing. I decided to take yoga because my flexibility has become diminished and I have arthritis in my knees, hips and back creating discomfort. I also suffer from generalized anxiety /​PTSD so I don’t take good, deep breaths and I grit my teeth. I’m relatively sure that this stress is increasing my cortisol levels making it more difficult to lose weight.
The yoga was physically challenging but still relaxing and energizing. Loved how we were regularly reminded to focus on our deep belly breathing. Also were given instruction on how to take each pose to the next level but also option to take it down a step if necessary. I felt totally comfortable after getting my mat settled.
Thanks Angie C. for the invite. SWCC is a great neighborhood with many wonderful gems like this one. Looking forward to taking another class here!

I’m new to Yoga and I’m so glad to have found Raja Yoga Studio. I especially love the hatha yoga classes. I had tried Vinyasa yoga in other studios and it put me off yoga until I tried hatha yoga at Raja and I am now hooked! Hatha yoga is hard to find in Philly so I was happy to find it at Raja Yoga and I’ve enjoying the class very much. This yoga studio has a spiritual aspect to the practice so it’s good for the soul as well as the body. Everyone in the class feels that too. We leave feeling refreshed and full of calm positive energy. Also the instructors genuinely care about the students and make sure your posture is good and help you during the class. Even though it’s a group class, you feel like it’s also an individual class because they guide you during the practice and there’s a lot of individual attention. There’s also a special emphasis on alignment focus, since if you’re not paying attention to your posture you can end up injuring yourself, and that happened to me at other yoga studios so I’m happy to be reminded to focus on my alignment. This is my go-​to yoga studio in Philly from now on!

I’ve been going to Raja for almost a year now and I love it! I typically go to Vinyasa classes but I’ve also taken Hatha (taught by the owner, Wes). All instructors are exceptional, unique in their own style, but very knowledgeable and friendly. They just started adding 10 minutes of meditation to the end of each class and at first I thought I’d hate it (I’m not the type to sit still — which is one of the reasons I attend yoga!) but now I love the dedicated meditation time. It’s probably the only 10 minutes all week that I truly «pause.» Try it out! The studio is always clean and very welcoming with some décor/​lighting to relax you as soon as you enter. All will feel welcome.

This place is the real deal. It’s the best place around center city to get a practice both steeped in the rich practices of the Himalayan tradition, including philosophy, asana, pranayama, and meditation – all in one 75 minute class! You can take the sweaty vinyasa flow classes to get you there, or the more relaxing hatha classes that lead you right onto the meditative state. There’s something for everyone because the teachings are authentic and the teachers are very skilled and aware with modifications to fit any body. Everyone must at least try Raja Yoga.

The yoga studio is cozy and the instructors are always very friendly.
I don’t feel like the yoga is particularly hard, but if you just want some zen, this is great!
I’m also not a fan of doing yoga in a room that is sorta cold. I prefer warm or even hot yoga so your body is flexible.
The studio is small so it can get cramped so the neighbors upstairs are loud (and disruptive).

I’ve sampled almost every yoga studio in Center City, and have not been able to find any other place that offers the same type of timings, tranquility, and intimacy as Raja. However, this place does not offer many opportunities for the «intermediate“yoga student. I would recommend this place to people who are trying yoga for the first time or prefer hatha practices over vinyasa.

Being a yogi with a practice as old as incoming college freshmen– I have some solid experience with a wide variety of yoga studios. From aerial yoga to hot vinyasa– I’ve purchased the groupons/5−10−20 card classes, I’ve had a home base studio, and I’ve been a class hopper. And enjoyed every last shivasana.
Raja Yoga is a sweet spot for sure.
The space is small; there is no denying that. Does it warrant taking a star away? No. You can see before you walk through the door the general footprint of the space. Complaining about it after the fact seems kind of pointless.
Classes are primarily Hatha, so for those who are into competitive/​show off classes where the goal is to take the prettiest Instagram yoga picture– well, they might be bummed out.
There are some vinyasa classes that are really fantastic. A flow with positive energy and vibrations abound!
This studio will help you find peace, and being your breath back to your body through mindful breathing and subtly powerful asanas. Classes are welcoming at all sizes, be it yourself and one other yogi, or a packed class with staggered mats.
Of course your energy needs to vibe with the space you’re practicing so one persons zen is another’s personal hell.
No matter where you down dog, Namaste.

Overall, I thought this was an ok yoga studio but not my favorite. It’s a pretty small space, and it tended to get crowded, especially at the weekend classes I went to. I was also frustrated with their class schedule. Their Vinyasa classes start at 830am on weekends and there aren’t any later on in the day… I work long hours during the week, and the last thing I want to do on my day off is get up early :(
My main complaint, though, is about the person who lives above the studio. I would take classes on weekend mornings, and I would hear this person wake up, stomp around, shower, watch TV, etc. Hearing this person upstairs really interrupted my relaxing yoga practice. Maybe I just have really sensitive hearing, but, either way, it really bothered me!

I really wanted to like this place because 1. It makes the trash cans in my neighborhood look so pretty and 2. It’s clearly named after everyone’s favorite tiger companion from Aladdin, but I just couldn’t get into it.
I got a 10 class groupon and in the three months I had to use it I went 3 or 4 times, each time thinking, maybe a different teacher, maybe a different type of yoga, but this place is just not for me. I am a big «take advantage of groupon/​livingsocial/​deals/​intro week» person, and this is the first time I’ve let myself down and not used a deal to it’s fullest. Super disappointed in myself.
PROS
–They offer Hatha, which I haven’t seen at many places except the Sporting Club at the Bellevue (and I’ve been to yoga at…9 different places in the city… I have commitment problems).
–The instructors are very attentive and adjust you into the right poses and alignment.
–They are super accommodating about the groupons-​I received an email saying if I bought a 10 class pass they would restore my unused classes. That’s pretty cool.
–They don’t cancel classes for weather. I feel a bit bad for the instructors with the terrible winter we had, but it’s nice they were open.
CONS
–Turns out I don’t really like Hatha. This is totally a personal thing, but if you don’t like Hatha, there are only 5 Vinyasa classes a week.
–In the winter, it was super cold! The door opens directly into the studio, and I wished I’d brought a sweater.
–This is not the place you go if you want a workout. A stretch maybe, and definitely some good, peaceful meditation/​quiet time, but I never broke a sweat, and I’m a pretty sweaty person.
–Class times are very limited, only 2 – 3 classes a day, and only 1 pre-​work weekday morning class, which is important to me because I can’t always predict what time I’ll get out of work.
–I did not get a warm and fuzzy feeling towards any of the instructors, co-​yogis, or the atmosphere/​vibe of the place as a whole, which I’ve gotten from every studio I’ve gone to that wasn’t a gym (Dhyana, Anjali, Maha, Yoga Garden, Philly Power).
–Very basic poses, and not a lot of challenging arm balances/​inversions.
If you are new to yoga, and want to do it more for meditation/​the experience than a workout, I suggest you check this place out next time they have a groupon. Clearly some people love it, but I totally agree with Pam S, I’ve raved about a lot of yoga studios to people, and if anyone asks me about Raja, I don’t think I’ll have that spark when I talk about it. I very much admire the small studio feel but I just don’t love this place.

We travel from Fairmount just to go to class here and have been for going for years. Wes (the owner) is incredibly encouraging and helpful. He has a group of wonderful teachers including Sarah and Jennifer — they always make yoga enjoyable. If you are new to yoga, I especially recommend Hatha classes.

I have been coming to this studio for 3 years now and I plan to for many more! It is pretty rare that I stick to something for so long which is a testament to how much I enjoy this studio. The neighborhood is great and the space is small and intimate making it very easy for the instructor to show you and correct poses. They are extremely punctual with their class times and the instructors create a relaxing and focused environment for you. Everyone that teaches there is a very knowledgeable and willing to help you or answer additional questions after class.
Coming to yoga here is the perfect way to de-​stress during the week as well as get a bit of a workout. I always feel great after class which is what keeps me coming back for more.

This yoga studio is in my neighborhood, so it’s convenient. I want so much to make it my go-​to studio. But…
First of all, it’s small. The check-​in area is basically the studio itself, so even if you get there early and want a quiet place to zone out before class, sorry, it’s not gonna happen here.
No heat on cold days? Um, no. If it’s 40 degrees outside, I prefer the studio to be at least 75; I don’t think that’s asking too much. However, the last chilly day I took a class here, the studio was freezing. For such a small space, you’d think they wouldn’t be frugal with the heat. I know it’s not «heated» yoga, but in order for my body to get the full benefits of yoga, my muscles need to be warm, not ice cold.
The instructors are always helpful and knowledgeable, and I really like the hatha style of yoga. Raja seems to be one of the few (if only) places in Philly where hatha is offered.
I really want to like this place. Maybe they’ll make some improvements… I hope.

I just started taking class here two weeks ago. I take Erin’s Vinyasa class and I LOVE it. I have only tried one other Yoga class somewhere else, with an instructor that I also love… it was a fundamentals class so I have been hesitant to try an actual Vinyasa flow class, worried it would be too fast for me.
I am so happy that I tried Erin’s class at Raja. While this class is QUITE a workout, she goes at a pace that is not too fast or too slow. I am able to do my thing and also have time to take a peek at other people to see how to do any poses I’m unfamiliar with.
I also have to mention that her voice is somehow the most soothing thing ever. I don’t think I ever relax as much as I do in this class!
The studio itself is in a great location for me, it is small but can fit a surprisingly good amount of people. Looking forward to taking this class every week!

This is such an amazing little yoga studio. Practicing there has given me a deep love and need for regular yoga practice in my life! I find new benefits from yoga all the time and I have them and their amazing instructors to thank.
The instructors are always helpful in giving you adjustments when needed and helping you push yourself, but not too far. The studio is small so arrive early to ensure a good spot, esp if you are new and need more visibility to the instructor. They have air conditioning, so if you are a sweaty beast like me you can still get your yoga on in the summer months.

If you are looking for an intimate experience — this is it.
Raja Yoga is more than just a yoga studio. Wes has created a welcoming atmosphere, one that promotes inner discovery and sets the bar high for personal attainment. There will be no music played during your practice, nor will there be mirrors to distract you. This is a hollistic and grounded approach that holds true to the actual meaning and intention of the yogic tradition.
Many studios seem to veer off course and promote the trendy aspects of yoga. I was thrilled to find that Raja Yoga is nothing like those other studios. Raja Yoga creates a balance of all aspects of life — the social, physical, spiritual and emotional. Not only is this refreshing, it is admirable.
A small, cozy studio, Raja’s teachers pay attention to each student’s form and practice. Every teacher offers friendly and educated advice to help you advance or improve your practice. Raja promotes an open atmosphere as well as creates a feeling of community and a sense of place.
I will be a student here for years to come…

Wes teaches real down-​to-​earth yoga classes.
I found out about Raja Yoga through Groupon and I’m so glad I did. Other yoga classes sometimes have this weird workout vibe, where they’re going through the motions for the sake of going through the motions. Some teachers will let you go into a difficult pose in the wrong way, which could be dangerous. Not so with Wes.
Wes understands how poses are supposed to go, and what they’re supposed to do for you. He’s extremely knowledgeable and vigilant about students doing yoga safely. Throughout the class, Wes conscientiously checks on everyone’s postures, helping with adjustments where needed, and encourages students to be aware of what’s going on with their own bodies. If you have trouble areas, he’ll give helpful advice on how to account for them.
Raja Yoga also offers other classes and workshops for those who are interested — there are other yoga teachers also — but I haven’t been to all those. If you’re looking for a simple, unassuming studio where you’ll get real help with yoga, this is it.

I bought a 25 class groupon for $ 45 at Raja, and it’s one of the best deals I’ve ever purchased. Raja is an excellent studio with very small, intimate classes. I’ve been to both the hatha & vinyassa classes, and both are presented in a way that can be adapted for any skill level.
I started out knowing some basic yoga moves, but since I’ve learned to do more advanced moves like shoulder stand. It can be tricky and potentially dangerous to your neck if you don’t know how to do one properly, but at Raja I was aided by a teacher and coached through it until I was able to do it on my own (which did take a few classes). They really care about your safety, and will never force you to do a move that might hurt your or take you out of your flow.

Raja is a great addition to the Graduate Hospital neighborhood. Wes is the owner/​oftentimes teacher and is very knowledgable — i highly recommend his meditation class!
That said, even with a lovely space, I feel like Raja is missing some of the ‘heart’ I want to see at yoga studios. That one where students light up when they talk about it, and the teachers truly and genuinely love their students. Raja, you just need some more soul.

Yes, yes, Dhyana blah blah blah, great, fine, we love the Philly empire. If you’re looking for a more personalized experience from outstanding instructors, please please PLEASE check out this almost-​one-​man shop.
What I love about Raja Yoga and Wes, the owner/​main instructor, is how grounded everything is. Unsurprising for a studio that is mostly hatha, but Wes has a way of getting you into the headspace necessary for deep relaxation and muscle work in a straightforward and unpretentious way, and yet one that encourages true understanding of what’s happening. You’re not missing out on the more spiritual aspects of yoga, but nor are you reciting Hindu mantras. Rather, it’s yoga with real application, where the lessons of yoga find their way into your body with real precision.
The smallness of the studio (I doubt more than ten people could fit in at a time) means that the instructors personalize everything, from pose adjustment to the climate. It’s a real treat.
There are vinyasa classes as well. I’ve only taken one, but Tracy, the instructor, whupped me but good.
Highly recommended.